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November 14, 2006

Housewarming Hoopla

I didn't think this was worth mentioning, but since it's now hit Best of the Web AND Fark, here you go.

The term-limited governor leaves office in January, and friends of Janet Huckabee created the registries at Dillard's and Target stores to help facilitate their transition to private life, Huckabee spokeswoman Alice Stewart said Friday.

The Huckabees purchased a 7,000-square-foot home in North Little Rock this year.

So what's all the hubbub, bub?

Arkansas law prohibits public servants from accepting any gift worth more than $100, unless the gift is conferred "on account of a bona fide personal, professional or business relationship" independent of the recipient's official status.

"Items costing more than $100, which are given to public servants to show appreciation for their efforts (i.e., to reward them for doing their job) or to reward them for past or future action, are prohibited under this rule," the law states.

There's an exception for wedding gifts. So? Well, the 'friends' registered the Huckabees on the wedding registries at Tar-jey and Dillards. So of course this is some big ethical scandal because they were apparently trying to circumvent the ethics rules.

Now I don't care for our Gov., but I think there's a much simpler explanation. Dillard's and Tar-jey don't have a 'housewarming' registry, as far as I know. Just wedding or baby registries. I'm guessing 'housewarming' seemed closer to 'wedding' than 'baby'.

IMHO, for what it's worth.

Oh and btw, that sobbing sound you hear emanating from Little Rock is our Gov. kissing his presidential aspirations goodbye.

What are friends for?

Posted by Rita at November 14, 2006 04:54 PM

Comments

Check out http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/173040/ where Gov Huckabee spanks the newspapers for creating a "scandal" and ruining Janet's friends party fun.

Posted by: Valerie at November 15, 2006 08:45 PM

The whole thing is just stupid. I don't see anything wrong with the 'housewarming' party, first of all. And secondly, how else would they've registered, as a baby shower?

There's enough legitimate criticisms of our Gov. without making something out of nothing.

Posted by: Rita [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 16, 2006 06:47 AM